Without the malicious editing of the reels, Maria's concise and insightful criticism of Lydia's musical arrangement was properly laid out for the viewers.

The ensuing reactions to the part were more or less in the same vein.

“I am a loyal fan of Mia! I don't care that it's played by the

Sheffield University's orchestra, that arrangement is simply abominable!"

"I knew it sounded very weird when I first heard it. No wonder! Maria certainly has a good ear for her to have noticed the differences so quickly. I have so much respect for her for tha’

“It figures, since Maria never disappoints. Although, I was surprised that they aired the original version today. I was looking forward to watching the edited episode and compare the two afterward!"

Julie sat beside Maria and kept her company as the episode progressed. Anthony, on the other hand, was nowhere in sight.

“Anthony said that he has some family matters to attend to, so he will be gone for a while," Julie pointed out. She glanced at Maria and added in a quieter voice, "He also asked me to tell you that he would explain the matter of the red phone when he comes back.”

Julie had no idea what that meant. She was just the messenger, after all.

She mistakenly presumed that the couple had a quarrel, with Anthony being the one in the wrong and Maria refusing to forgive him.

“Listen, honey. I'm not taking anyone's side, but I do believe that Anthony is a good guy. I've seen it for myself. He may have his shortcomings, but they can never outweigh his virtues. Don't be rash and break up with him over trivial matters."

Maria's lips twitched with amusement, though her face remained neutral.

“Mom.”

"Yes?"

“How did Anthony manage to win you over in such a short time?"

Julie was taken aback by the question. She blinked at Maria for a few seconds as she tried to figure out what to say.

“No, don‘t get me wrong. He didn't bribe me or anything. I'm just saying it as I see it. This is my genuine opinion."

Maria maintained her nonchalance and said nothing more.

"You've been sleeping these last two days, so you may not know about everything Anthony has done for you. Your show's production team was trying to sabotage your reputation and career, but he wasted no time setting them straight."

A faint smile appeared on Maria's Lips upon hearing that, but she kept her silence.

"He also demanded compensation on your behalf. If I'm not mistaken, the money is supposed to be transferred to your account today."

Ding!

Sure enough, Maria received a notification on her phone, just as Julie finished speaking.

She opened the message and found out that a sum almost equivalent to her entire payment for the show had been wired to her account.